Which statement best describes the reactivity of noble gases in relation to their metallic character?

• A. Noble gases are reactive only when combined with alkali metals.
• B. Noble gases are generally unreactive due to their full valence electron shells.
• C. Noble gases are highly reactive because they have high metallic character.
• D. Noble gases readily form ionic compounds with nonmetals.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the electronic configuration of noble gases: they have full valence electron shells, which means their outermost energy level is complete with electrons.
2. Recall that elements with full valence shells tend to be stable and have little tendency to gain, lose, or share electrons, leading to low chemical reactivity.
3. Recognize that metallic character refers to the tendency of an element to lose electrons and form positive ions; noble gases are nonmetals and do not exhibit metallic character.
4. Analyze the given statements in light of this knowledge: noble gases are generally unreactive because their full valence shells make them stable, not because they have high metallic character or form ionic compounds readily.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Noble gases are generally unreactive due to their full valence electron shells' best describes their reactivity in relation to metallic character.